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esalination plan doesn’t hold water

hy is our air still so bad?

Desalination is a great way to bring much-needed cheap water to California, right? Not so much.

The desalination plant proposed by Massachusetts-based Poseidon Water in Huntington Beach would cost rate-payers about $1 billion to build and mean about 20% higher water prices than the cost of treating imported water.

The plant has the potential to kill marine life as every day it would discharge 50 million gallons of hyper-saline brine mixed with chemi-cals into the ocean. Also, over the next half century, the plant could be at risk of flooding because of sea level rise and seismic activity.

The California Coastal Commission ultimately will make the call on

whether to allow this wrong-headed project to move forward. Recently the panel wisely decided to postpone a decision on a permit until at least December.

In the meantime, Sierra Club Angeles Chapter and Orange County Coastkeeper are working to make sure other agencies reviewing the project -- the State Lands Commission and Regional Water Board -- know the pitfalls of the plan before they sign off.

Sign our petition at go.socalnow.org/desalpetition to tell the com-mission that the plan would be an environmental black-eye for our coast. Want to get involved? Contact Ray Hiemstra, Orange County Coastkeeper, raymondhiemstra@gmail.com or call (714) 904-3671.

We’re sick of breathing bad air, and you should be too. For too long, Southern California has failed to meet basic public health standards for smog pollution, resulting in an increase in premature deaths and serious respiratory problems.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District or AQMD has never met the Clean Air Act’s standards for smog in Southern California. Though progress has been made in the past three decades, there are still approximately 15 premature deaths every day in this region due to dirty air, while local asthma rates are two to three times higher than the national average. 

Last March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency told the agency again that its plan for reducing smog in Southern California doesn’t pass muster. Stricter air quality standards could save lives and prevent many thousands of heart attacks, emergency room visits and other health side effects as well as missed days at school and work. 

Instead, the AQMD recently decided to roll back pollution regulations in favor of stan-dards set by oil refineries and other polluters. Then it fired its executive officer.

The Sierra Club and other environmental organizations are pushing the agency to force

the biggest air polluters to clean up their act more effectively and create a plan to meet clean-air benchmarks.

Join us in the fight for clean air by get-ting involved with the Sierra Club’s local Clean Air Campaign by responding to AQMD plans and attending hearings. Come to our Clean Air Health and Environmental Health Fair on Oct 22 in Wilmington, the neighborhood the LA Times has named the “Island of Petroleum,” to find out more about how you can help clear the air.  

To get involved, contact Angélica Gonzalez, angelica.gonzalez@sierraclub.org,  (213) 387-4287 ext. 204.  

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ictory for O.C. coastal wetland

an Onofre’s toxic waste dilemmaHalf a century ago the U.S. opened the first large-scale nuclear

power plant. It was clear the country embraced the electric power output, but less clear was the problem of what to do with radioactive waste produced by the plants.

Fast-forward to 2016. Sierra Club sat down with the feds in June to ask: Now that the damaged San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in northern San Diego County has been shut down, what’s the plan for removing the dangerous waste? Under current policy, San Onofre is in line for waste removal somewhere between 2035 to 2049.

Complicating things further is the fact that the harmful waste can’t be taken directly from the on-site fuel pools but only by a process called

dry storage. The feds realize they need permanent repositories as well as interim storage, but right now there’s no plan.

Congress needs to amend laws to fund the process of identifying potential storage locations and giving priority to waste removal from sites that pose risks to populations and the environment. Working with the National Sierra Club, these will be Angeles Chapter priorities in the coming months. As former Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Allison Macfarlane said at the June meeting, “It is our ethical responsibility to solve this problem and not leave it to future generations.”

For more info, email Glenn Pascall at gpascall@att.net

Hundreds of protesters squeezed into the Newport Beach Civic Center in early September to show the California Coastal Commission their bright green signs that read “Save Banning Ranch.”

After nearly two decades, Sierra Club activ-ists and others enjoyed a victory after the commission voted to deny a plan to build 895 homes on Banning Ranch, a swath of undevel-

oped coastal bluffs and wetlands near Newport Beach. As Steve Lopez wrote in the L.A. Times about the decision: “Bulldozers went up against burrowing owls .. [t]he owls won.”

It’s unknown what the developer’s plans will be, but Sierra Club now wants to work with partners and organizations which would act to buy the land and preserve all of it. Additionally, the Club will work against a

separate proposal to drill 82 new oil wells on Banning Ranch.

Prior to the meeting, the Coastal Commission staff had recommended approval of develop-ment on 20 acres that aren’t identified as envi-ronmentally sensitive habitat area.

To get involved, contact Terry Welsh at (949) 478-1757 or email BanningRanch@angeles.sierraclub.org.

MADISON HICKMAN

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Get outdoors

Oct. 29-Nov. 20Want to hike one of L.A.’s newest thru trails? The Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains was completed last year. We’ll take you on every inch of its 67 miles in a series of eight hikes, from Will Rogers State Historic Park to La Jolla Canyon. See the trail that started with many Sierra Club activists and trail build-ers. Hikes are free and open to all. Go online to go.socalnow.org/backbonehikes for hike dates and descriptions.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Newcomer Hike

Dec. 18Come enjoy an easy paced hike in one of the Southern California’s most amazing wetlands and bird-rich reserves. Good for beginners who want to know what the Chapter’s outings program is all about. You’ll cover 5 miles in about three hours -- and have plenty of time to snap photos too. Contact Leader Donna Specht, donnaspecht@juno.com, (714) 963-6345

Backbone Trail Festival

MARY FORGIONE

TOM POLITEO

ANNA CODY

TOM POLITEO

Every Griffith Park PeakDec. 3Hike to every named peak (and even some unnamed little ones) in Griffith Park, on a 13-mile strenuous ramble that will provide amazing views of the city and the Valley. The route includes Mt. Lee (site of the Hollywood sign) and Cahuenga Peak, where the Wisdom Tree stands. Good for experienced hikers who want a workout and an urban adventure. Contact Leader Mary Forgione, mary.forgione@sierraclub.org, (562) 618-1129

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s with us!Winter Combo Mammoth Lakes Bus TripJan. 27-29It’s snow time! Join us for a bus trip to Mammoth Lakes to snowshoe, snow-board, cross-country ski or just kick back and enjoy the winter landscape. Hit the slopes on guided treks and ski tours into the back country by day, bed down at a motel by night. Newcomers and non-skiers are welcome to come. $310 to $325 per person. Contact Leader Donna Specht, don-naspecht@juno.com, (714) 963-6345

Arizona Slot Canyon and Native American SiteApril 29-May 7Antelope Canyon is that dreamy otherworldly slot canyon illuminated by beams of light from above. It’s one of the stops on an exploration of Arizona that includes some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the X state: Sunset and Meteor craters, Petrified Forest National Park, Sedona and Monument Valley. You’ll also visit Native American sites like Canyon DeChelly and Wupatki Naitonal Monument. $1,350 to $1,450 per person. Contact Leader Michael Sappingfield, mikesapp@cox.net, (949) 633-6993.

Hawaiian Island Eco-Adventure to Molokai

July 15-22This is a rare opportunity for an adventure into old, historic, uncrowd-ed Molokai, which has just 7,500 residents and no stoplights! The island has the highest sea cliffs in the world, Hawaii’s longest beach and a historic leper colony at Kalaupapa. Stay in ocean-view condos and rustic cottages on this trip that features easy hikes, wildlife view-ing, snorkeling, swimming and more. $2,029 to $2,456 per person. Contact Leader Bill Crane, bilguana@socal.rr.com, (818)773-4601

Total Eclipse 2017: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Craters of the Moon

Aug 17-22Combine one of the biggest celestial events of 2017 -- a total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 -- with an exploration of some of the nation’s most picturesque national parks. The sun and moon adventure includes hiking and wildlife observation at Yellowstone National Park as well as two other classic parks. See geysers and mud pots as well as the rivers and waterfalls. $1,425 per person. Contact Leader Fred Dong, madelinesdad@earthlink.net, (818) 545-3878

DONNA SPECHT

BILL CRANE

JIM PEACO/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

BRIGITTE WERNER/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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Hiking England’s South West Coast Path

June 5-17

Experience both sides of Ecuador on this tour: Get a closeup look at the architec-ture of Colonial Quito and visit the Middle of the World Monument in Cala Cali before heading out to the jungle and staying at a private eco-lodge. Trek to sacred waterfalls on pre-Incan trails, learn about local culture and volcanology, and explore the wildlife, plants and flowers of life at 10,000 feet above sea level. $1,595 to $1,695 per person. Contact Leader Donna Specht, donnaspecht@juno.com, (714) 963-6345

“Walking at its most diverse, most spectacular and most delicious” is what travel guide Lonely Planet says about England’s South West Coast Path. Trekkers will experience coastal bliss on this 100-plus mile classic journey on foot. Walk 5 to 12 miles by day, bed down in cozy digs by night while

experiencing a path that weaves through villages and the country’s most stunning coastline. $2,900 to $3,100 per person. Contact Deirdre Butler, deirdrebutler2@gmail.com, (303) 823-8649.

Tibet, Yangtze River Cruise, Panda AdventureMay 10-26Thrill to the high points of Tibet, the panda bears of Chengdu and the Yangtze River on this tour that covers some of Asia’s most iconic and remote places. Tibet’s moun-tain monasteries, the Himalayas and glacier-fed lakes; Chengdu’s panda-breeding center, where you’ll see baby bears too; and a cruise through the gorges of the Yangtze River are all on the itinerary. $4,269 to $4,469 per person. Contact Leader Fred Dong, madelinesdad@earthlink.net, (818) 545-3878

Ecuador Eco-TourJune 11-16

Where are you going in 2017? The Angeles Chapter leads trips around the world that empha-size nature and culture. Join us for a celebration of the coming solar eclipse in Yellowstone or a visit to China to see giant pandas.

FRED DONG

DONNA SPECHT

JAAP GAASENBEEK

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Cover photo: McGee Creek Canyon, south of Mammoth Lakes, in fall. By Tom Politeo.

SoCal NowOctober-December 2016

Volume 1 No. 3web: angeles.sierraclub.org

socalnow.org hikethe100.orgwww.facebook.com/SierraClubAngeles

Mary Forgione Editormary.forgione@sierraclub.org

SoCal Now (USPS 971-700) is published quar-terly by the:

Sierra Club Angeles Chapter3435 Wilshire Blvd. #660 Los Angeles, CA 90010-1904. Phone: (213) 387-4287, Ext. 212. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA 90052.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address to: SoCal Now, Sierra Club Data Changes, 3435 Wilshire Blvd., #660, Los Angeles, CA 90010-1904.

©2016 Sierra Club Angeles Chapter. Image copy-rights held by the artists. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Angeles Chapter.

Printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Sharon KochSIERRA CLUB ANGELES CHAPTER CHAIR

As a long presidential campaign season draws to a close, the choice is clear for Sierra Club: We endorse Hillary Clinton for U.S. president.

Her opponent does not believe climate change is real, wants to increase oil and gas production in the country, and has never held public office. Clinton recognizes the environment not only needs protection, but that good green jobs can grow out of those protections, and has decades of experience in public office.

Nov. 8. is Election Day; Californians have until Oct. 24 to register to vote. Vote for these candidates and measures endorsed by Sierra Club.

Find more info at go.socalnow.org/endorsements

U.S. PresidentHillary Clinton

U.S. Senate Kamala Harris 

U.S. House of Representatives

District 25: Bryan Caforio District 26: Julia Brownley 

District 27: Judy Chu District 28: Adam Schiff 

District 29: Tony Cardenas District 30: Brad Sherman 

District 32: Grace Napolitano District 33: Ted Lieu 

District 34: Xavier Becerra District 35: Norma Torres 

District 37: Karen Bass District 38: Linda Sanchez 

District 40: Lucille Roybal-Allard District 43: Maxine Waters 

District 44: Nanette Barragan

District 46: Bao Nguyen District 47: Alan Lowenthal 

State Senate District 21: Jonathon Ervin 

District 25: Anthony Portantino District 27: Henry Stern

District 29: Josh Newman  District 33: Ricardo Lara District 37: Ari Grayson

State Assembly District 38: Christy Smith District 39: Patty Lopez 

District 43: Laura Friedman District 49: Ed Chau 

District 50: Richard Bloom District 51: Jimmy Gomez 

District 53: Miguel Santiago  District 59: Reggie Jones-Sawyer 

District 63: Anthony Rendon District 65: Sharon Quirk-Silva 

District 66: Al Muratsuchi 

L.A. County Board of Supervisors 4th District - Janice Hahn

Los Angeles County Ballot MeasuresYes on A (Safe, Parks & Beaches)

Yes on M (L.A. County Traffic Improvement Plan)

Thailand Cultural and Wildlife Adventure March 2-18

This is Darwin country. The islands made famous by the British natu-ralist’s observations remain untouched gems in the waters off Ecuador’s west coast. Explore five islands -- Baltra, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola and San Cristobal -- and follow in Charles Darwin’s footsteps to witness firsthand the wondrous species found nowhere else in the world: giant tortoises, iguanas, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and more. Activities range from hiking to panga rides to photo walks to take in this one-of-a-kind landscape. $3,395 to $3,495 per person. Contact Leader Donna Specht, donnaspecht@juno.com, (714) 963-6345

In Thailand, the new and the old meet at every corner. The Grand Palace as well as the famed reclining Buddha in Bangkok keep ancient times close amid a bustling city in the country’s cultural heart. This tour delves into the country’s capital and then visits national parks in the forested countryside where you’ll see elephants, hornbills and other native wildlife. Stops in small towns offer a firsthand look at vil-lage cultures too. $2,300 to $2,400 per person. Contact leader Fred Dong, madelinesdad@earthlink.net, (818) 545-3878

Galapagos Islands Cruise Exploration June 16-20

DONNA SPECHT

BART HIDDINK/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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3435 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 660Los Angeles, CA 90010-1904

Make your voice heard in the Sierra Club Angeles Chapter’s 2016 Executive Committee elections.

You can vote one of two ways:

1. Vote online. Go to the website listed in the box and use your member ID to vote. Every Sierra Club member in your household can vote with this ID.

Bring the glory of the outdoors indoors by giving the gift of a Sierra Club calendar. You may place an order with the Angeles Chapter for a 2017 wall ($12.25) or desk calendar ($13); prices don’t include shipping. It’s easy! Go to go.socalnow.org/calendar to download an order form and mail it to the Chapter office with a check.

2. Vote by mail. You may download a ballot at the website shown in the box and mail it in. Or you may request a paper ballot by contacting Angeles Chapter Director George Watland at (213) 387-4287, Ext. 210, or email george.watland@sierraclub.org.

Note: All members who voted by paper ballot in 2015 will automatically receive one this year.

Voting begins Oct 8and ends Nov 30

Your ballot website:

Your member ID:

Join us Nov. 14 for an evening like no other. The Camera Committee will host Backpacking Committee members Jeremy Evans, Clive Alcock and Mark Jacobs who will give a multimedia presentation on their 10-day journey in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Jeremy and Clive bring visual delights in color and black and white still photos plus video and even time-lapse images. Sweeping panoramic landscapes, poignant macros and arrest-ing night sky imagery will highlight the program, which will be backed by Mark performing songs on acoustic guitar and harmonica. This trio, with seven other backpackers, hiked 40 miles in the lake-studded backcountry on a Sierra Club trip in August.

Traveling mostly cross country afforded them viewpoints and experiences rare even for this lightly-travelled region. Carrying camera gear and at least one guitar made the journey all the more interesting. All are welcome to the free event that starts 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Felicia Mahood Center, 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., West L.A. 90025

CLIVE ALCOCK

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